HS 293944 Norephedrine and its salts

What products does HS 293944 cover?

This subheading covers Norephedrine and its salts, specifically referring to the chemical compound (1R,2S)-2-amino-1-phenylpropan-1-ol, also known as phenylpropanolamine (PPA) or cathine, and its various salt forms. As per the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature and further detailed in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC, this classification is precise for the pure chemical substance and its derivatives formed through salt reactions. Norephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine, often used as a decongestant or anorectic, and its classification here reflects its specific chemical identity within the broader category of vegetable alkaloids and their derivatives.

What falls outside HS 293944?

The following products are excluded from HS 293944: preparations containing norephedrine but formulated for specific therapeutic or prophylactic uses, which would typically fall under Chapter 30, such as medicaments of heading 3004. For instance, a cough syrup containing norephedrine as an active ingredient would be classified under 3004, not 293944. Similarly, isomers of norephedrine that are not specifically norephedrine (e.g., pseudoephedrine, which has its own distinct subheading 293943) are also excluded. Mixtures of norephedrine with other substances, where the norephedrine is not the predominant character-imparting component, would also be classified elsewhere, often under Chapter 38 or 30 depending on their nature and use.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 293944?

A common error is misclassifying pharmaceutical preparations containing norephedrine directly under 293944 instead of Chapter 30. Importers often overlook Legal Note 1(a) to Chapter 30, which states that medicaments are classified in heading 3003 or 3004, even if they consist of unmixed products suitable for therapeutic or prophylactic uses. Another frequent mistake involves confusing norephedrine with its stereoisomers, such as pseudoephedrine (HS 293943), or other related sympathomimetic amines. Proper classification requires strict adherence to the chemical structure and identity, as per General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which mandates classification according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.

How should importers classify products under HS 293944?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 293944 involves first verifying the exact chemical identity of the substance as Norephedrine or one of its salts, typically through a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) or Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Importers and customs brokers must ensure the product is not a medicament or a preparation, as defined by Chapter 30 notes. If it is a pure chemical substance, GRI 1 directs classification to Heading 2939, then specifically to subheading 293944. For any doubt, consulting the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 29 and obtaining a binding tariff information (BTI) decision from the relevant customs authority (e.g., CBP in the US, national customs in the EU) is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.